Brenau pianists demonstrate that four hands are better than two at Sept. 1 concert

Priscilla and Keith Jefcoat, resident pianists and music faculty members at Brenau University, will celebrate 30 years of performing together at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, with a “four-hand concert” of the works of Mozart, Mendelssohn, Debussy and MacDowell. The concert at Hosch Theatre in the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts, 429 Academy St., in Gainesville, is free and open to the public.

“We fell in love with this body of literature that is composed specifically for two people playing at the same time at one piano,” said Dr. Priscilla Jefcoat, a professor of music history and theory. “There aren’t too many musicians who pursue this repertoire, so we thought it was a unique niche we could develop, as well as a wonderful creative collaboration for a husband and wife to share.”

The couple met 30 years ago as undergraduate piano majors at Brenau and began performing duets at area church services before exploring a mutual interest in classical music and joining Brenau’s music program.

“The piano can be a lonely affair when you are cooped up by yourself, practicing,” she said. “Having a partner adds a fun spark, especially when that partner is your husband and you can anticipate each other’s moves on the keyboard. Playing together is hard work, but it has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our marriage, and we want to celebrate it with these beautiful compositions.”